Welcome to Russian History Retold, Episode 254 from Russia to the Soviet Union, the transition

part 3.

Last time, we covered the period from the time right before the abdication of Nikolossus

II until the day that the Bolsheviks took control of Petrograd and Moscow.

In 1918, the Bolsheviks had control of the two main cities in Russia, but they had no

plan on how they were going to rule the country.

Not only that, they really didn't know how to implement socialism.

Lenin knew that because of this, the Bolsheviks had to eliminate anyone who threatened their

power.

This was apparent in the aftermath of the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets held on

January 18, 1918.

Of the 707 delegates, 370 were socialist revolutionaries, 40 left socialist revolutionaries,

170 Bolsheviks, 43 Mensheviks, and 84 members of minor parties.

Lenin realized he was not in control and that the SRs held the majority.

Everyone had been waiting for this Congress for months, but its outcome was nothing like

what everyone wanted.

Seeing his disadvantage, Lenin had his troops disperse the constituent assembly the next

day.

Surprisingly, at the time, there was no response.

In hindsight, this was not remarkable as there was no organized force behind the opposition.

There was a significant reason for no response, and it was in the brilliant rhetoric and actions

that the Bolsheviks took.

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